TY - JOUR
T1 - How do people with MND and caregivers experience a digital mental health intervention? A qualitative study
AU - Pinto, Cathryn
AU - Geraghty, Adam W. A.
AU - Pagnini, Francesco
AU - Yardley, Lucy
AU - Dennison, Laura
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - ObjectiveWe urgently need to develop and evaluate more psychological interventions to support people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and caregivers. We used the person-based approach to develop a digital mental health intervention and conducted two studies to explore people's experiences of using it. MethodsIn Study 1, we conducted think-aloud interviews with 9 people with MND and 8 caregivers, and used findings to refine the intervention. In Study 2, 18 people with MND and 9 caregivers used the intervention for 6 weeks after which in-depth interviews were conducted. Data from both studies were combined and analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsWe developed 3 main themes around intervention acceptability, engagement, and usefulness. Participants highlighted the importance of accessibility and realistic presentation of information and support. Tailoring and timing intervention use to suit own needs, preferences, and disease stage was also important. Participants used the strategies presented to develop a positive outlook and regain some control. They also faced some challenges using these strategies in the context of dealing with progressive loss. ConclusionPeople with MND and caregivers can find digital mental health interventions useful. Intervention accessibility and flexibility are important for developing acceptable and engaging interventions for MND.
AB - ObjectiveWe urgently need to develop and evaluate more psychological interventions to support people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and caregivers. We used the person-based approach to develop a digital mental health intervention and conducted two studies to explore people's experiences of using it. MethodsIn Study 1, we conducted think-aloud interviews with 9 people with MND and 8 caregivers, and used findings to refine the intervention. In Study 2, 18 people with MND and 9 caregivers used the intervention for 6 weeks after which in-depth interviews were conducted. Data from both studies were combined and analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsWe developed 3 main themes around intervention acceptability, engagement, and usefulness. Participants highlighted the importance of accessibility and realistic presentation of information and support. Tailoring and timing intervention use to suit own needs, preferences, and disease stage was also important. Participants used the strategies presented to develop a positive outlook and regain some control. They also faced some challenges using these strategies in the context of dealing with progressive loss. ConclusionPeople with MND and caregivers can find digital mental health interventions useful. Intervention accessibility and flexibility are important for developing acceptable and engaging interventions for MND.
KW - digital interventions
KW - motor neurone disease
KW - wellbeing
KW - qualitative
KW - psychological interventions
KW - digital interventions
KW - motor neurone disease
KW - wellbeing
KW - qualitative
KW - psychological interventions
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10807/230308
U2 - 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1083196
DO - 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1083196
M3 - Article
SN - 1664-0640
VL - 14
SP - 1
EP - 7
JO - Frontiers in Psychiatry
JF - Frontiers in Psychiatry
ER -